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Everything you ever wanted to know about volunteering but were too afraid to ask

Have you ever noticed at sporting events a small army of people, normally garbed in high vis jackets, cheering along participants and generally lending a hand, armed with nothing more than a smile and occasionally a load hailer? But did you know that most of them are unpaid volunteers, eager to do nothing more than help?

We’ve conducted a little bit of research, and here are some of the reasons why our wonderful volunteers give up their precious time to help:

“I want to experience the event before swimming it”

“It looks good on my CV”

“I enjoy the camaraderie of the team and have made good friends”

“I can support open water swimming generally”

At Henley Swim we try and give a little extra back to our volunteers. We know it can often be cold, windy and the hours are sometimes hugely anti-social, but in a way that is what it’s all about. The team spirit and camaraderie is a given – but did you know you’ll normally get fed, and there are often goody bags for the volunteers. Free T shirts abound and free entries to subsequent events are some of the other ‘perks of the job’.

Sometimes seeing an event up close and personal by volunteering has unexpected benefits – so if you do want a little more out of your summer and to try and help your fellow open water swimmers, get in touch by email to enquiries@henleyswim.com and we’ll show you the way.